Every 15th of January, the villagers of Nozawa Onsen gather for the highlight of the Dosojin Matsuri. Matsuri means festival, and Japan is filled with many matsuri throughout the year. The “Dosojin” are Shinto guardian deities, and come in various … Continue reading →

Second-hand clothes shopping is my kind of shopping. It’s a treasure-hunt and a bit of a gamble. I am bound to find something unique, something irreplaceable and it’s also environmentally friendly. Whenever I travel, I’m on the lookout for good … Continue reading →

If you live in Australia, you’re likely cursed with the resignation that most countries you travel to will be at least 10 hours flight away (if you live on the East Coast) and you shall suffer these hours in economy. Likewise if … Continue reading →

If Studio Ghibli ever made a movie about a cute, loving couple who ran a cafe that served fantastic lattes, mochas, hot chocolates, baked curry, cakes, other home-made comfort food, and THE CUTEST cookies in the world…THIS cafe would be … Continue reading →

Sushi – it's what everyone thinks of when they think "Japan". Well, this sushi bar offers you something a little different. Naomichi Yasuda was head chef & part-owner of the legendary "sushi yasuda" in NY since 1999. He's since left North … Continue reading →

Forget the Bund, the shopping madness, the city lights…..get out of Shanghai and see something different. ZhuJiaJiao is an ancient water township about an hour by rail out of Shanghai – and another 15 mins by taxi. We caught the train from … Continue reading →

Let me start off by saying that I have travelled to Singapore before. And I DID spend more than a night there….but I didn't LOVE it or immerse myself in it the way I normally do. Each place has something … Continue reading →

The Philippines. First time I've travelled here. And I'm surprised, delighted and intrigued. My only knowledge of the Philippines was academic – history of Rizal, the Spanish, the conversions, the US control, Japanese occupation. These people have been through so … Continue reading →